thanks giving
for rain in winter, for all
things in their own time.
for dark red love-knots,
for laughter in kitchens and
in cupboards and under stairs,
for kisses given and stolen
under berries white like pearls.
for children and cats, both sleeping
and in tornado whirls of motion.
for passion and for disappointment,
for broken hearts and the lessons
learned from injury.
for family both given and earned.
for endless motion in these misty nights,
these clear velvet nights, these moonless
lightless nights that stretch forever
till morning comes, and renews faith.
for the coming and going of light.
for wonder.
for drumbeats.
for heartbeats.
ah, traveller, come in;
we have forgiveness aplenty
even for you, our intimate stranger.
11/25/99